Travel Sickness

Information and treatment options for travel sickness

Travel sickness, also referred to as motion sickness or kinetosis, is a condition characterised by dizziness, nausea and vomiting when using various methods of travel, including cars, planes, boats and trains. Travel sickness occurs when the body is unable to adjust to motion and movement, specifically when there is a conflict of information sent to the brain via the eyes and inner ear. This is because the different messages usually contradict each other. Travel sickness is most commonly experienced through either seasickness or individuals feeling car sick from driving.

If you experience travel sickness regularly or are concerned you might do so during an upcoming trip, you can take motion sickness medication to prevent and treat this condition. We at OnlineClinic currently offer Avomine tablets, Scopoderm patches and Kwells pills, all of which can be used in the prevention and treatment of travel sickness.

What is travel sickness?

The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance and helping control the muscles that keep mammals upright. It works in conjunction with the eyes in sending messages to the brain, which in turn are interpreted and relayed to the appropriate muscles in order for balance to be maintained. Travel sickness is when this process is interrupted and distorted by the information sent from the eyes and inner ear, specifically when one of the two sets of messages contradict each other i.e. what is seen in terms of motion is not the same as what's felt or vice versa. Motion sickness can also be caused when both systems fail to correspond. The result is the feeling of nausea and sickness. Travel sickness is usually associated with travelling by car; however, it can also be caused by air travel, as well as seasickness.

Travel sickness causes

As the condition is caused by mixed communication between the eyes and vestibular system to the brain, it's believed that travel sickness is a natural response designed to actually help protect the body, in particular a perceived threat the brain interprets from the two different messages it's receiving. The response is a simple defence mechanism against potential neurotoxins. The brain, because of the communication breakdown, simply believes that one of the two systems may be hallucinating as a result of poison ingestion, thus inducing the body to vomit it out and protect itself.

Travel sickness symptoms

Listed below are the symptoms associated with travel sickness:

Feelings of discomfort in the abdomen

An increased feeling of being unwell

Pale skin

Dizziness

Cold sweat

Increased saliva in the mouth

Vomiting

Shallow breathing

Headache

Tiredness

Drowsiness

Treating travel sickness

Prescription medication

There are prescription medications that can help treat travel sickness but because motion sickness delays digestion, it's normally taken before symptoms are actually experienced rather than once they have started. These medications work by blocking various signals to the brain and helping the difference in communication of the eyes and vestibular system not cause the body to respond with nausea and vomiting.

Home remedies

Although prescription medications are tested by medical professionals to be the most effective form of treatment against travel sickness, certain remedies may help. Not all remedy options are guaranteed to help you, therefore some trial-and-error may be required when trying out various remedies for travel sickness. Popular remedies can include ginger, acupuncture (e.g. travel sickness wrist bands) and by simply keeping hydrated. It is recommended that for the best chance possible at successfully treating travel sickness, you should take prescription medication alongside one or more of these natural remedies.

Preventing travel sickness

Motion sickness may not be entirely preventable, but there are some techniques that may help relieve some of the symptoms. This includes:

Limiting the amount of movement, by sitting down or using a pillow or headrest to help keep your head still.

Focus your sight on the horizon.

Get plenty of fresh air.

Eating and drinking small quantities while trying to remain as calm as possible whilst travelling.

Buying treatment

Travel sickness (motion sickness) is a common condition that can affect individuals whilst travelling via various modes of transport. The symptoms associated with travel sickness can be successfully treated with medication. This will make both short haul and long haul journeys far more comfortable for you, whether it is by train, plane, boat or car. Medication, such as Avomine tablets, Scopoderm patches and Kwells pills, are available to buy at OnlineClinic as an effective method of prevention and treatment for travel sickness. To order one of these medications, simply complete a quick online consultation. This can be completed for free with no obligation at OnlineClinic. For more information visit our Avomine, Scopoderm and Kwells product pages.